Vanessa J. Bellamy's story of survival

It was a routine physical. The result was far from routine. The date was March 23, 2009, the day I learned from Dr. Khandra Osman that I had a lump on my left breast.

A consultation was set up with surgeon Dr. Nicholas Tranakas. With me that day were my husband and my sister, a nurse in Dr. Osman’s office. I was told surgery was needed, but they wouldn’t know if I would keep or lose my breast until we went into surgery. My sister was a rock, making sure my husband and I understood what needed to happen and what our choices were.

I underwent surgery to have the tumor removed, and they were able to save the breast. My oncologist, Dr. Archana Maini, instructed me to undergo chemo and radiation treatments, and three weeks after surgery, I began four months of chemotherapy. Three weeks later, I began 42 rounds of radiation. November 2009 was the end of my journey.

My family’s love and support during that time was better than any prescription a doctor could write. My friends constantly reminded me how strong I was, and kept encouraging me, but many days were filled with fear, and anxiety over what the future would hold. It wasn’t easy to keep my spirits up because I knew in the old days that after you’re diagnosed, later you die. One day it set in. It was up to me, either to fight or give in. I was willing to step into the future of today’s way of fighting cancer, and reached out to those who had already taken the journey.

As of this writing, I have been a survivor for three years and five months. My best advice is to tell your story to others; let them know cancer can be beaten. I know my best sources of inspiration were shared stories from other cancer survivors and my religious belief.

I tell everyone to make sure they receive an annual checkup. Surviving cancer has changed my life in ways I can’t believe. I see life differently, and I don’ take anything for granted. The experience taught me that in life we can fall, but we can also get back up stronger. Prayer is strong in our home, and being a survivor is my testimony. I tell it everywhere I go.

My ordeal was hard on my family. My husband’s heart was heavy, my daughter cried unconditionally, and my son wouldn’t leave my side. My parents were in denial. In the end, we all made it through. Now that I’m in remission, I don’t take anything for granted. Every result that comes back negative creates a better me. I am dedicated to seeing the best and brighter side of situations, to loving my family and to enjoying life.